CFL Bulb Recycling

Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) are better for the environment than traditional incandescent bulbs. CFLs use up to 75% less electricity than incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer.

CFSs contain a very small amount of mercury - an average of 4 milligrams - sealed within the glass tubing. To give you a comparison, older thermometers contact about 500 milligrams of mercury. Mercury is an essential part of CFLs; it reacts with the coating on the inside of the glass tube to produce light using very little electricity.

CFL Bulb Recycling Locations

It is important to properly dispose of used CFLs. Therefore, EnerStar has offers three locations to drop off bulbs for proper recycling:

EnerStar office, 11597 IL Highway 1, Paris, IL

Paris Public Library, 207 S. Main Street, Paris,IL

Marshall Public Library, 612 Archer Avenue, Marshall, IL

Cleaning up a broken CFL bulb

Open a window and have people (including you) and pets leave the room for at least 15 minutes.

Shut off central forced air heating/cooling system.

If the bulb is broken on a hard surface, carefully scoop up glass fragments and powder using stiff paper or cardboard and place them in a glass jar (with metal lid) or sealed plastic bag.

Use sticky tape to pick up any remaining pieces and powder.

Wipe the area clean with damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes. Place wipes in the glass jar or plastic bag.

Do not use a vacuum or broom to clean up the broken bulb on hard surfaces.

Immediately place all clean up materials outdoors in a trash container or protected area for trash pickup.

Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives is a national network of electric cooperatives across 46 states that provides resources and leverages partnerships to help member cooperatives and their employees better engage and serve their members. By working together, Touchstone Energy cooperatives stand as a source of power and information to their 32 million member-owners every day.